The Philippines: “Please pass the Mighty Bond”

I remember an old glue commercial where a hefty guy hangs upside down on a cross-beam, his shoes sealed to the beam by a few daubs of Mighty Bond glue, or some similar product. My recall is a little fuzzy on the particulars, but not on the upside down man. Mighty Bond glue is not recommended for dentures or pasting … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Culture and Arts

Shift the China burden to the US; take care of the Philippines . . . and look east

The Society’s Chief Wildman, formerly known as Pinoy in Europe, drops off more insight in a day than most of us can do in a month. Well, I suppose it helps that he types 200 words per minute and his brain runs at 500. My keyboard is smokin’ at 50 WPM and my brain starts rattling and vibrating … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government, USA/Americans

Is Senator Poe a trapo or just a friend to VP Binay?

What is a trapo, and is Senator Grace Poe one? Here’s the best explanation of the term that I’ve read: trapo, n, a traditional politician believed to be corrupt. Trapo is also a blend word or fusion, combining the first syllables of TRA-ditional PO-litician. In the beginning, Philippine journalists and “street parliamentarians” (that is, activists) … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Philippine Politics

“Free the Philippines! Join the Liberation Party!”

That’s the rallying cry I imagine would attach to a group of middle class and enlightened upper class Filipino citizens who believe the nation is not yet free in the fullest, richest sense. How is the Philippines not free? Enrichment opportunities are bound in ways that favor the entitled. The poor are bound by lack of … Continue reading →

Filed under China, Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Economy, Education, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Transparency does not mean data, it means dealing straight: DepEd case study

I started this blog as an update on the Department of Education (DepEd), but a broader lesson emerged from the study. This will be a case study of DepEd’s “transparency” fulfillment, and what we learn can be applied to other departments as well. The resources for this article are all available at DepEd’s web site. As we … Continue reading →

Filed under Citizenship/Patriotism, Education, Philippine Government